Grace tensed under Brodie's touch, and she stole a quick glance at Xander.
"Xan is really nice, but he can be so stubborn," she confided, her eyes reddening.
"Is that a problem?" Brodie asked.
"Of course it is. Since we were children, he's always prioritized my well-being over his own. I just wish he could live his life to the fullest too," Grace replied, her thoughts drifting back in time.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtXander had willingly stepped aside and allowed her to marry Benjamin. And now he had put himself in harm's way to save her. Grace was consumed with remorse and guilt as she reflected on the sacrifices he had made.
Understanding the weight on her shoulders from her words, Xander clenched his fists and declared, "I'm content as long as you're happy." Hearing that, Grace sadly closed her eyes. She had known that Xander would never let her go.
As Brodie warily observed the scenery outside, he was reminded of something from their conversation.
He asked, "The Lewis family has three sons. Which brother are you?" "I'm the second brother," Xander replied.
Aaron had stepped into the limelight by assuming control of the family business, while Caleb had achieved worldwide fas a celebrity. That left Victor, who rarely showed himself in public, the perfect choice for Xander's disguise.
Plus, Brodie had no tto verify Xander's claims amidst the looming threat.
As the car fell into silence once more, Xander unexpectedly spoke up. "Once we return, you're not allowed to make any public appearances. Especially not with Benjamin." Grace was taken aback by his sudden demand. Xander wasn't known for making such declarations, but she quickly discerned his intentions.
"Why? Benjamin isn't that bad," she countered.
"As a lover, he offers no commitments; as your boss, he bears no responsibility. He's not worthy of you," Xander explained.
"But I love him! That's all that matters!" Grace argued, her exasperation pushing her to confront Xander while disregarding the dagger threatening her life.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmXander scoffed, dismissing her words. "Don't be a child. You can't feed yourself with love." Defiant, Grace shouted, "I don't care! I'm marrying him!" Brodie watched in bewilderment as the two engaged in a heated exchange. Frustrated, he swung the dagger through the air and yelled, "That's enough! Both of you, shut up!" In that moment, Xander swiftly disarmed Brodie. He knocked the dagger out of Brodie's hand and restrained him in a wristlock. "Get down, Grace!" Xander ordered.
"Fuck! You dare to sneak up on me?" Brodie groaned in pain.
No matter how prepared he thought he had been, he hadn't been ready for a surprise attack.
Witnessing the chaos, Mapanicked and swerved the car off course Taking the cue, the waiting ambush team swiftly emerged from their hiding spots and brought the cars to a halt. In an instant, a brilliant light enveloped the entire scene.
Reacting quickly, Grace leaned over and reached for the center console. She then pressed a button to unlock the door. "Con, Xander!" she urgently shouted.
In response, Xander pushed Brodie aside, securing Grace in a protective embrace before leaping out of the car.
The two landed with a heavy thud on the concrete road, rolling for a few turns before coming to a stop.
Xander's body bore bruises and scratches, though he suppressed a grunt and maintained a protective hold on Grace. She, on the other hand, emerged unscathed from their tumble. Hurriedly getting to her feet, Grace checked Xander's injuries. "Oh my god, Xander! Are you hurt anywhere?" Xander winced in pain before holding her hand and comforting her. "I'm fine. Just sscratches." "Do you realize how dangerous that was? If you hadn't caught Brodie off guard, he could've stabbed you to deathTM Grace kneeled by his side and wailed. The terrifying scene lingered in her mind. S With a gentle smile, Xander wiped away her tears and said, "But I'm alright, aren't I?" Now that the police had surrounded the criminals, it was their turn to take control of the situation.
Still, Grace couldn't shake off her fear. "What if I misinterpreted your intentions and put you in danger? How could I ever face Aunt Hestia and tell her the truth?" "You wouldn't have. You're a smart woman, Gracie. I was sure that you'd understand," Xander assured firmly, his eyes shining brighter than the stars in the sky.